Elastomeric covering and methods of use

ABSTRACT

An elastomeric cover comprises sidewalls, a closed end and an open end. Related methods include attaching the elastomeric cover to a container having liquid contents to prevent contents from leaking while under pressure.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.63/088,351 filed Oct. 6, 2020, which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

FIELD

The device is in the field of leak proof coverings for bottle orcontainers and related methods of use.

There is a need in the art for a covering to prevent leaks from bottlesparticularly when travelling on an airplane when bottle or containerscontaining liquids or creams tend to leak out of their bottle orcontainers and spill all over the contents of luggage during traveloften damaging valuable content inside the suitcase. Decreased pressureat higher altitudes make gases expand, including the air inside of acontainer of liquid, such as toiletries. Most aircraft cabins, whetherin a small plane or a large commercial jet, are pressurized to theequivalent of 8,000 feet above sea level or lower at high altitudese.g., above 10,000 feet. As the aircraft cabin is depressurized upondescent the air inside of the containers can contract. Emptiercontainers contain more air inside. When that air expands, pressureinside the container can increase and can rupture the container or morelikely can force air and liquid contents of the container through aremovable component (e.g., a lid or cap) to relieve pressure creatingthe sticky explosions with which frequent travelers are so familiar.

Conventional attempts to solve the problem of leaking toiletries such asduring air travel are untrustworthy such as putting toiletries inre-sealable Ziplock plastic bags. The plastic bags often contain airthat can cause the bags to open under pressure and can cause thetoiletry contents to leak outside the plastic bag. Cleaning the all ofthe toiletries that were subject to a leak in the plastic bag andcleaning the plastic bag itself is time consuming. In addition, there-sealable bags are prone to rips especially at the seams and need tobe replaced often.

There is also a need in the art to have a single cover for leakprotection that will accommodate a large range of container sizes andshapes because, for example, travelers do not use uniform sizedtoiletries and consumers otherwise do not have uniformly sizedcontainers that they would like to make leak proof.

SUMMARY

Other features and advantages will be apparent from the followingdetailed description, the drawings, and the claims.

In some aspects, an elastomeric cover comprises contiguous wallsadjacent to and integral with a closed end and forming an open endopposite the closed end, wherein the elastomeric cover has propertiesand dimensions wherein when in use a single elastomeric cover self sealsabout peripheries of containers having approximately round, square,rectangular, oval and trapezoidal cross sections.

In some aspects, the elastomeric cover has a length of the cover fromthe closed end to the open end that is longer than the width of theclosed end or the open end.

In some aspects, the elastomeric cover has sidewalls that arecylindrical. In some aspects, the sidewalls are substantiallyperpendicular to the closed end when in a resting state.

In some aspects, the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplasticelastomer having a durometer hardness Shore Type A or Shore Type 00value of about 1-50, such as a durometer hardness Shore Type A value ofabout 1-40. In some aspects, the elastomeric cover comprises athermoplastic elastomer that has a tear strength of about 1-35 kN/m.

The elastomeric may have a length of about 1-5 inches.

In some aspects, a single elastomeric cover has properties anddimensions capable of self sealing about peripheries of containerscomprising a 1″ diameter cylindrical container, 3″ diameter cylindricalcontainer and a 2″ by 1.5″ rectangular cuboid container when in use. Forexample, the properties and the dimensions may provide a surface areaabout peripheries of the containers to counter a force of a pressurizedcontents when in use.

In some aspects, the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplasticelastomer; wherein the elastomeric cover has an open end for receiving acontainer; wherein the elastomeric cover has a wall thickness of about1/32″ to ½″; wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has a durometerhardness Shore Type A value of about 1-100; wherein the elastomericcover has properties and dimensions wherein, when affixed to acontainer, less than 1% of the contents of the container escapes theopen end of the elastomeric cover when pressure is applied.

In some aspects, the elastomeric cover has properties and dimensionscapable of self sealing about peripheries of various sized containerscomprising both a cylindrical container and cuboid container when inuse; wherein the properties and the dimensions provide a surface areaabout peripheries of the various sized containers to counter a force ofpressure when in use; wherein one of the properties comprises retainingthe resting state dimensions after use without deforming.

In some aspects, the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplasticelastomer; wherein the elastomeric cover has a wall thickness of about1/32″ to ½″ and a length of about 2-10 inches; wherein the thermoplasticelastomer has a tensile stress at least in one direction at 100% strainor 300% at 23° C. of less than about 15 MPa; has a tensile strength atleast in one direction at break of about 0.1-15 MPa; a tear strength ofabout 1-35 kN/m; a tensile elongation at least in one direction at breakof 50% or greater; or a durometer hardness Shore Type A value of about1-100.

In some aspects, the elastomeric cover has an external length and width;wherein the length is greater than the width.

In some aspects, a method of using the elastomeric cover herein maycomprise affixing the elastomeric cover to a container. In some aspects,the method further comprises applying pressure to the container, whereinless than 1% of the contents of the container escapes the open end ofthe elastomeric cover and remains in the closed end of the elastomericcover. In some aspects, the container may be pressurized to about 11-15psi. In some aspects, the method may comprise stretching the open end ofthe elastomeric cover about a container; aligning the closed end of theelastomeric cover with an end of a container that has a potential toleak; and applying pressure to the container; wherein less than 1% ofthe contents escapes the open end of the elastomeric cover during theapplying pressure step.

A method of using the elastomeric cover may comprise affixing theelastomeric cover to a container having a smaller circumference than theinner circumference of the elastomeric cover; rolling the elastomericcover onto itself to decrease the inner circumference of the elastomericcover to form a leak-proof seal about the periphery of the container.

In some aspects, a method of using the elastomeric cover comprisesstretching a first elastomeric cover about wet or soiled contents;stretching a second elastomeric cover over the open end of the firstelastomeric cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1a and 1b are embodiments of the elastomeric cover.

FIG. 2 is a view of various sized toiletries each enclosed in the samesize elastomeric cover in its resting state as described in Example 1.Also, views showing the open end and the closed end of the elastomericcover in the resting state when not in use are present in theforeground.

FIG. 3 is a view of various sized and shape toiletries each enclosed inthe same size elastomeric cover (in resting state) as shown in FIG. 1 asdescribed in Example 1.

FIG. 4 is a demonstration of the process of stretching the elastomericcover over a container via an open end so the closed end is proximatethe cap where contents may leak and the sidewalls are pulled down togrip the container.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The elastomers used herein are similar to the elastomers used for theelastomeric connector in U.S. Pat. No. 10,393,300, and a continuationapplication thereof that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,085,567, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 17/002,769, which are assigned to the sameassignee as the present application, and are incorporated herein byreference.

In some aspects, as exemplified in FIGS. 1-4, the elastomeric cover mayhave resilient sidewalls 1 integral with a resilient closed end 2 andforming an opening 3 opposite the closed end 2. In some aspects,sidewalls refer to one or more walls forming the sides of a contiguousenclosure such as a cylinder or a cuboid shape. In some aspects, one endof the sidewalls is closed to form an enclosure while the other side isopen. In some aspects, the length of the cover from the closed end 2 tothe open end 3 is longer than the width of the cross section of theinner diameter or longest width of the closed end 2 or the open end 3,for example about 2-4 or about 2-3 times longer. The width of the closedend 2 or open end 3 may be the diameter if round, a length of a side ifsquare, the distance from one side of the end to the facing sidedirectly across, such as the distance from a long side of an oval end tothe facing long side, from the short side to the opposite short side, orfrom a side of a hexagon to the opposite side, etc. As the elastomer isreadily stretchable to cover, for example, cylindrical, cuboid, as wellas oddly shaped containers, references herein to the dimensions, sizeand shape of the elastomeric cover and containers are approximate andare provided to show the versatility of a single cover in covering manydifferent size and shaped containers. The dimensions may be adjusteddepending on the desired fit. In some aspects, the sidewalls 1 aresubstantially perpendicular to the plane of the closed end 2. In someaspects the sidewalls 1 are cylindrical and the closed end 2 is round.In some aspects the entire elastomeric cover is made from the samematerial, and does not comprise a substantially rigid portion or cap.

The elastomeric cover may cover at least a portion of a bottle orcontainer when in use. When in use, the elastomeric cover self-sealsabout a periphery of one end of bottle (or the entire bottle if thecontainer is relatively small) or other container of any shape, wherethe contents may leak. When in use with a container, the container maybe partially full such that air inside the container could expand duringtravel.

In some aspects, the elastomeric cover is not a sheet. In some aspects,the elastomeric cover does not comprise any openings other than theopening on the end to receive the bottle or container. For example, insome aspects, there is no opening proximate the closed end 2 or alongthe sidewalls 1 as the end is closed to prevent contents of a containerfrom leaking. Conventional plastic film wraps or re-sealable Ziplockplastic bags are thin and insufficiently elastomeric, and although thewrap may be used to cover an end of a container, it does not form a leaktight seal. The wrinkles that form during wrapping impede the ability ofthe wrap to self seal and the air inside the re-sealable bag make thebag subject to opening. Also, it is difficult to rinse off the plasticwrap or bag and reuse it without it losing some of its adheringqualities or without it developing tears. In some aspects, theelastomeric cover does not form wrinkles or does not contain problematicair pockets when in use.

In some aspects, the elastomeric cover is comprised of a thermoplasticelastomer, wherein, when in use, self-seals about a periphery of anexisting bottle and retains the liquid inside the container.

The same elastomeric cover can accommodate various sized and shapedcontainers when in use for example, containers having a round, oval,square, rectangular or trapezoidal shaped cross section. The elastomericcover can also be stretched over and form a leak proof seal on, e.g.,metal, glass, plastic or rubber containers.

As many containers have a height that exceeds its width, the elastomericcover in some embodiments also has a length that is longer than itswidth.

Many toiletries can be an inch or less in width or diameter and canexceed 5 inches in width or diameter. In some aspects, a singleelastomeric cover can be used to form a leak proof seal around acontainer to prevent the contents of the containers from leaking outonto the other portions of the luggage such as clothes.

In some aspects of the elastomeric cover herein, the cover comprises athermoplastic elastomer that has a tensile stress at least in onedirection measured according to ASTM D412 at 100% strain or 300% at 23°C. of less than about 15 MPa such as about 0.05-5 MPa.

In some aspects of the elastomeric cover herein, the cover comprises athermoplastic elastomer that has a tensile strength at least in onedirection at break measured according to ASTM D412 at 23° C. of about0.1-15 MPa, such as about 0.5-5 MPa.

In some aspects of the elastomeric cover herein, the cover comprises athermoplastic elastomer that has a tear strength measured according toASTM D624 of about 1-15 kN/m such as about 5-10 kN/m.

In some aspects of the elastomeric cover herein, the cover comprises athermoplastic elastomer that has a tensile elongation at least in onedirection at break measured according to ASTM D412 at 23° C. of 50% orgreater, such as is about 300%-2000%.

In some aspects of the elastomeric cover herein, the cover comprises athermoplastic elastomer that has a durometer hardness Shore Type A orShore Type 00 value measured according to ASTM D2240 for 10 seconds at23° C. of about 1-30, such as a durometer hardness Shore Type A of about3-15.

A method of using the elastomeric cover comprises stretching the openingover the portion of a container where a leak may occur such as near aremovable component (e.g., lid), and stretching/pulling the open end 3over the container until the closed end 2 of the elastomeric cover isproximate the portion of the container that may leak and is stretchedsufficiently taught to maintain pressure on the container from theclosed end 2 keeping a removable component such as a cap in place so asto prevent leaks. The elastomeric cover may be pulled down so that thestretched sidewalls grip the outside of the container. The method mayfurther comprise removing the elastomeric cover from the container, andrinsing if necessary in the event contents leak into the closed end 2 ofthe elastomeric cover.

A method may further include rolling the open end 3 of the elastomericcover over itself thereby effectively decreasing the diameter of theopen end 3 so it can accommodate a container with a smallercircumference than the circumference of the open end 3 of theelastomeric cover.

In one embodiment, a self-sealing, slip on elastomeric cover comprises ahollow, extremely flexible tube-shaped member having a closed end 2 andan open end 3 for receiving a container. The self-sealing elastomericcover is comprised of a self-sealing, extremely stretchy, flexible anddurable material such as a flexible thermoplastic elastomer.

The open end 3 of the self-sealing elastomeric cover is stretched over acontainer, for example, by stretching, pulling and sliding the open end3 of the elastomeric cover, over the container until the closed end 2 isproximate the potentially leaky end of the container and the sidewalls 1of the elastomeric cover are stretched down over the remainder of thecontainer.

In some embodiments, a “self-sealing” elastomeric cover is sufficientlyflexible and has sufficient memory such that the elastomeric cover doesnot require a clamping means, securing means, connecting means, or othermechanical means such as a ring clamp, clip, clasp, grip, a vise, afastener, or an additional flexible band, to secure the elastomericcover to an existing container when in normal use, while preventing asubstantial amount of fluid content such as a liquid, cream or gel orliquid-like product to escape the elastomeric cover or the open end 3 ofthe elastomeric cover during use. In some embodiments, preventing asubstantial amount of content means at least less than 10% by volume orweight of the amount of contents, such as less than 8%, 5%, 2% by volumeor weight of the amount of the content, or none or almost none of thecontents, escapes from the open end 3 during use. In most cases, whenaffixed to containers as described herein, no contents or almost nocontents such as less than 1%, 0.1%, or 0.01% of the contents by volumeor weight escapes the container and may be captured by the closed end 2of the elastomeric cover when in use. In most cases, if the contents ofa container leak when the elastomeric cover is used as described herein,it remains in the closed end 2, and any spillage can be removed byrinsing, such as by turning the elastomeric cover inside out. The areathat may need cleaning may be less than if a bottle leaked, for example,inside a plastic bag or over the contents of neighboring items in asuitcase.

Nonetheless, some uses may benefit by the use of a clamping means,securing means, connecting means, or other mechanical means such as aring clamp, clip, clasp, grip, a vise, a fastener, or an additionalflexible band, to secure the open end 3 of the elastomeric cover. Forexample, the elastomeric cover can be used to store contents within thecover such as soiled or wet items, such baby clothes or bathing suitsduring travel, which would benefit from being mechanically closed off.Alternatively, two elastomeric covers may be used, for example, to holdsoiled or wet items without the use of a mechanical means to enclose thecontents. The first elastomeric cover can be used to encase the wetclothes, and the second elastomeric cover can be used to encase thefilled first elastomeric cover, wherein the second elastomeric cover'sclosed end 2 covers the first elastomeric cover's open end 3.

The elastomeric cover may also be used with food containers to preventspills, such as with condiment containers that are stored upside down inthe refrigerator, which may keep the contents inside the elastomericcover instead of the refrigerator making clean up easier.

Without being bound by theory, it appears that the self-sealingelastomeric cover, when in use, has sufficient friction against ortraction on the container to allow the potentially leaky portion of thecontainer to remain enclosed or if contents leak, the leakage remainsproximate the closed end 2 of the elastomeric cover. The elastomericcover concomitantly has sufficient elastomeric properties to directlycontact and grip a larger percentage of each type of container's surfacearea to counter the force from the leaking contents from the removablecomponent of the container or other source of potential leakage. Thegripping of the sidewalls 1 when in use keeps pressure on the removablecomponent to prevent the container from leaking especially at the pointwhere the removable component. In some aspects, the length of theelastomeric cover that directly contacts a container when in use is atleast about 30% the length in its resting state such as 40%, 50%, 60%,70%, 80%, 90% or 100%. In some aspects, the elastomeric cover and thecontainer do not have significant air pockets against the sides of thecontainer when in use, thus allowing direct contact and self-sealingaround a container when in use. In some aspects, some elastomeric covershapes may not be optimal such as a spherical shape may contain aportion of the sidewalls 1 that is wider in the center than on eitherend. This type of shape may not allow the sidewalls 1 to sufficientlygrip the sides of a container as it may be too loose and may be unableto prevent the elastomeric cover from directly contacting and grippingsufficient surface area of the container. Further, this shape such as aspherical shape may cause a gap against the sidewalls 1 when in use andmay allow any potential leakage to travel further down the sides of thecontainer instead of keeping any leaked material proximate the closedend 2 and away from the open end 3. Leaks that travel down the inside ofthe sidewalls 1, e.g., due to gaps when in use, have a greater chance ofallowing leaks to escape the open end 3 of the elastomeric cover. Insome aspects, shapes that have sidewalls 1 perpendicular to the closedend 2 will eliminate gaps and allow the internal surface of theelastomeric cover to stretch over a sufficient surface area of thebottle or container when in use. The entire sidewalls 1 such as aportion proximate the closed end 2 do not need to grip the entiresurface area of the container, to allow for an oddly shaped componentssuch as a toothpaste cap; however the sidewalls 1 proximate the openingshould be substantially free of gaps between the sidewalls 1 and thesides of the container. Thus, in some aspects, the sidewalls 1 may bestraight such as a cylinder or a cuboid shape.

Moreover, the closed end 2 of the cover, when in use provides resistanceagainst the cap of the container to prevent the removable component suchas a cap from opening and the contents from leaking. To achieve thisresistance when in use, in some aspects, the length of the sidewalls 1may be longer than the width of the closed end 2 to allow enough surfacearea of the sides of the bottle or container to be gripped.

The following documents are incorporated by reference in their entirety:

U.S. patent Ser. No. 12/011,945, which is incorporated by reference inits entirety, refers to an apparatus and method for sanitizing thebristles of a toothbrush before and between uses by wrapping thebristles or the entire toothbrush in a leak-proof and disposable coverthat has been impregnated with a sanitizing agent.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,172,544 recites “a substantially rigid cap which may bereadily engaged about the mouth of the bottle, in combination withresilient skirt means adapted to be tensioned by a portion of the bottleto provide a relatively impermeable seal.” In some aspects, theelastomeric cover herein is not a sheet with a hole made from samematerial, and/or does not comprise an embodiment that is in combinationwith an outer cap.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,393,578 recites a “closure provided with a channel, witha thin diaphragm of resilient, organic material that is normally underneither tension nor compression” wherein the “closure is of the typeused when medicinal preparations are withdrawn from stoppered bottles bymeans of a hypodermic syringe, the needle of which is introduced intothe bottle through the stopper material.”

U.S. Pat. No. 2,461,703A recites a “sheet-like form, consisting of athin flat sheet of suitable elastic material, such for example as sheetrubber . . . . The thickness may vary from 0.001” to about 0.025″ inaccordance with the size and character of the receptacle for which the 2closure is intended and the particular material employed.” In addition,the “foldable sheet” comprises “a hole therethrough.”

WO2005115860 recites an “elastic cover for preservation and storage offoodstuff or the like easily mounted onto plates, dishes, bowls ofvaried size and shape, food in its original package, and cover forthree-dimensional objects such as fruits and vegetables. The inventionconsists of an equilateral, multiple sided, thin plastic film, whichwhen uninfluenced is provided with a tunnel or pathway which will keepthe somewhat shorter elastics within. In the elastics [sic] natural, oruninfluenced form, the circumference created will be somewhat smallerthan the circumference of the plastic sheet, thereby creating a sort ofplastic bag that is easy to use, mount and dismount.”

RU2326033C2 refers to a “device for sealing or tightly closing bottlesor similar containers consists of at least two components, a rigidcup-shaped component and an elastic membrane, which are constantly heldtogether. The rigid cup-shaped component, made from metal, plastic orsome other material, has the shape of a hollow body of rotation, formedby a hollow cylinder or a cut-off cone with a closed bottom. Themembrane is immovably stretched on top of the rim of the open end 3 ofthe cup-shaped component, or preferably perpendicular the axis to theplane, located between the closed bottom and the open end 3 of the rigidcup-shaped component, using any suitable method. When installing thedevice on the neck of the vessel, the membrane is stretched, whichallows for its tight adhesion to the edge of the neck. The rigidcup-shaped component is joined to the inner part of the neck of thevessel through deformation or a screwed joining. The tightening deviceis between the closed bottom of the rigid cup-shaped component and theedge of the neck of the vessel.”

WO2000051905A1 relates to a covering element for open bodies which isprovided for covering or closing openings of the body. The coveringelement is comprised of a rubber elastic material which can expand to amultiple of its size in order to close differently shaped bodies oropenings.

US20110127267A1 refers to a reusable, flexible beverage lid designed tofit various beverage containers includes a drink through cover portionhaving a generally circular periphery and a flexible sidewall with aprofile enabling sealing against varying dimensioned beveragecontainers. The shape of the sidewall profile allows the lid to reliablyseal and be easily assembled against various beverage containers and isgenerally consistent circumferentially. The lid design is such that itcan be scaled radially to fit a further amount of beverage containers.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,534,486 states that a container cover prevents spillageof contents. In one embodiment, the container cover includes a flexiblebody having a first portion that can be stretched over a mouth of acontainer. The container cover also includes a second portion providinga periphery around the first portion that can contract against the sidesof a container on which the container cover is placed to hold the coverin position. The first portion when stretched over the mouth of thecontainer has an extension forming an area of slack for the containercover to allow the container cover to expand as a result of increasedpressure within the container. The container cover further includes thefirst portion also including an aperture to receive a tube forwithdrawing contents from the container. The first portion of thecontainer cover includes a venting system. The venting system isprovided by a valve.

DE102009042716A1 recites: Lid for non-threaded bottle closure in shapeand type of description with the following characteristics.

a. The lid is made of a stretchable material, for example, elastomers

b. The lid has no thread but can have grooves

c. The lid is executed like a cap

d. The lid is the conclusion of a container

e. The lid may have a retracted edge

f. The lid may have a perforation for sealing purposes.

DE202005007773 recites a cover for a container which comprises an outersurface and an inner surface which is in contact with a container to besealed, wherein the lid is made of a silicone material and is formedwith a central portion and an outer peripheral portion surrounding thecentral portion, wherein the thickness of the outer peripheral portionis between 2.0 mm and 4.0 mm, and the thickness of the central portionis larger than that of the outer peripheral portion.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,172,544 recites a closure for receptacles andparticularly for bottles and the like, comprising a substantially rigidcap which may be readily engaged about the mouth of the bottle, incombination with resilient skirt means adapted to be tensioned by aportion of the bottle to provide a relatively impermeable seal.

US20130133288 recites “a cover configured to be detachably secured tomultiple objects having irregular shapes. The cover comprises a spheroidcomprising a hollow interior and a wall.”

WO2003022702A1 “concerns a method for preserving perishable products(10) arranged in a container (1), comprising a step which consists infixing a flexible envelope (2) including at least a projecting tab (5,5′, 5″ and 6), on at least part of the ends of said container so as toform a fluid-tight housing (8) for the products. The invention ischaracterized in that it comprises the following steps, for expellingfluid, for example ambient air, contained in said housing: a) a drawingstep which consists in stretching at least one of said tabs (5, 5′ or5″) so as to form a temporary passage between the inside and the outsideof said housing (8); b) a step which consists in compressing, orpressing, the flexible envelope (2) against the products and/or thecontainer so that the fluid contained in said housing (8) is expelledthrough said temporary passage; c) a step which consists in closing saidpassage.”

In some embodiments, the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplasticelastomer or any other material or mixture of materials that has similarproperties. Some materials have been referred to as “super elasticplastic.” In some aspects, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) may comprisepolymers or copolymers or blends of thereof that are formulated toprovide the properties outlined below. For instance, TPEs may containblock copolymers such as styrene based block copolymers includingstyrene-ethylene, butylene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-ethylene,propylene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-ethylene, propylene blockcopolymers, styrene-ethylene, ethylene propylene-styrene blockcopolymers, partially hydrogenated products of styrene-isoprene,butadiene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene blockcopolymers, or styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers, or acombination thereof. Thermoplastic urethanes also may be useful and maybe formulated to provide appropriate properties. In some aspects, TPEsmay contain a styrene butadiene styrene block copolymer or styreneethylene butadiene styrene block copolymers.

In some aspects the TPE elastomeric cover can be stretched a sufficientamount to accommodate various size containers, yet after being fitted onthe container, the elastomeric cover will have elastomer properties suchthat upon contraction, the elastomeric cover self-seals about aperiphery of container, and when removed the elastomeric cover mayreturn to its original resting shape. In some aspects, the elastomericcover having the same size in its resting state could accommodate arange of containers that are at least twice the size relative to theother, for example, 2-20 times the size relative to another such as2-10, 4-16, 3-8, or 5-8 times the size relative to another. Size may bebased on volume of the elastomeric cover in the resting shape comparedto the volume of the contents in a container. Thermoplastic elastomersor super elastic plastics are commercially available under trade namessuch Kraton® D2104, Dynaflex® G6713-001, Dynaflex® G6713C, Versaflex®OM9-802CL or Versaflex® CL2000X. Some or all commercial TPEs areproprietary polymers or copolymers, or blends thereof having proprietaryformulations containing components such as crosslinking agents oradditives, which affect the properties identified below. TPE suppliersmay readily provide materials based on one or a combination of theproperties below.

In some aspects, a combination comprising primarily about 75% by weightKraton® G1651 H, a clear, linear copolymer based on styrene andethylene/butylene (with a polystyrene content of about 33%) and about25% by weight Kang Libo 15# white oil cosmetic product are used to makethe TPE cover, and secondarily, from a weigh perspective, proprietaryadditives and dyes. The white oil lends properties to the combinationmaking the resulting material less hard than the Kraton® G1651 H whileproviding similar strength and elasticity Kraton® G1651 H. For example,Kraton® G1651 H has a hardness of Shore Type A using ASTM 2240 at 10seconds at 23° C. of 60, which may prove too hard to use as the onlycomponent for making the TPE cover. The tensile strength of Kraton®G1651 H is less than about 5.5 and the elongation at break is less than800%, which are both in range for the material used for making the finalTPE cover herein.

In some aspects, the durometer hardness Shore Type A or Shore Type 00 ofthe super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer measured accordingto ASTM D2240 for 10 seconds at 23° C. may have a value of about 1-50,such as about 1-45, about 2-40, or about 3-15 such as about 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40,or any range among these values.

In some aspects, the super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomermay have a tensile stress at least in one direction measured accordingto ASTM D412 at 100% strain or 300% at 23° C. of less than about 15 MPa,such as about 0.01-10 MPa, about 0.05-5 MPa or about 0.05-3 MPa. Tensilestress of the same material may have lower values at 100% strain versus300% strain. In some aspects, tensile stress at 100% strain at 23° C.may be less than about 10 MPa, such as about 0.01-5 MPa, about 0.03-1.5MPa, or about 0.06-1.5 MPa, such as about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6,0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 MPa. Alternatively, insome aspects tensile stress at 300% strain at 23° C. may be about 0.1-10MPa, about 0.1-5 MPa, or about 0.1-3 MPa, such as about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7,1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1,3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5,4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9,6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3,7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7,8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, or 10.0 MPaMPa, or any range among these values.

In some aspects, the tensile strength of the super elastic plastic orthermoplastic elastomer at least in one direction at break measuredaccording to ASTM D412 at 23° C. may be about 0.1-15 MPa, such as fromabout 0.1-10, 0.5-8 or 1-8 MPa, and typically have a value of about 0.5,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 MPa, or any range among these values.

In some aspects, the tensile elongation of the super elastic plastic orthermoplastic elastomer at least in one direction at break measuredaccording to ASTM D412 at 23° C. may be 50% or greater such as about100%-5000%, about 200%-3000%, about 300%-2000%, or about 500%-1500%, orabout 500%, 600%, 700%, 800%, 900%, 1000%, 1100%, 1200%, 1300%, 1400%,or 1500%, or any range among these values.

In some aspects, the tear strength of the super elastic plastic orthermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D624 is about 1-35kN/m, such as about 3-27 kN/m, about 5-10 kN/m, such as about 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 kN/m, or any rangeamong these values.

In some aspects, the stress at break of the super elastic plastic orthermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 may be about1-35 kN/m, such as about 3-27 kN/m, about 5-10 kN/m, such as about 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 kN/m, or any rangeamong these values.

In some aspects, the durometer hardness Shore Type A or Shore Type 00 ofthe super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer measured accordingto ASTM D2240 for 10 seconds at 23° C. may have a value of about 1-50,such as about 1-45, about 2-40, or about 3-15 such as about 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40,or any range among these values.

In some aspects, the density of the super elastic plastic orthermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 or ASTM D792may be about 0.01-5 g/cm3, about 0.5-2 g/cm3, or about 0.8-1.5 g/cm3,such as about 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8,1.9, or 2.0 g/cm3, or any range among these values.

In some aspects, the shrinkage of the super elastic plastic orthermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 may be about0.01-5%, about 0.5-2%, or about 0.8-1.5%, such as about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7,1.8, 1.9, or 2.0%, or any range among these values.

In some aspects, the melt flow of the super elastic plastic orthermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 may be about25-150 g/10 min, such as about 50-100 g/10 min, about 75-95 g/10 min,such as about 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88,89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100 g/10 min, or anyrange among these values.

In some aspects, the melt flow of the super elastic plastic orthermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 may be about25-150 MPa, such as about 50-100 MPa, about 75-95 MPa, such as about 75,76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93,94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100 MPa, or any range among these values.

In some aspects, the compressive strength of the super elastic plasticor thermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 may be about1-50%, such as about 1-45, about 2-40, or about 3-30 such as about 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40,41, 42, 43, 44, or 45% or any range among these values.

In some aspects, the brittle temperature of the super elastic plastic orthermoplastic elastomer measured according to ASTM D2240 may be about−80 to −50° C., such as about −75 to −55, about −72 to −58 or about −75,−74, −73, −72, −71, −70, −69, −68, −67, −66, −65, −64, −63, −62, −61,−60, −59, −58, −57, −56, −55, −54, −53, −52, −51, or 50° C. or any rangeamong these values.

The super elastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer may have one ormore of the properties above (e.g., tensile stress, tensile strength,tear strength, tensile elongation, or durometer hardness), such astensile elongation and durometer hardness.

The length of the elastomeric cover in its resting state may besufficient to accommodate various shaped containers in its expandedstate. The length may be, for example, from about 1-10 inches such asabout 1-7 inches, about 2-6 inches, about 2-4 inches or about 3 inchesin length in its resting state. The elastomeric cover, such as the TPEor super elastic plastic elastomeric cover, in some aspects, may have awall thickness (i.e., of the sidewalls 1 and closed end 2) of about1/32″ to ½″ thick such as about 1/16″ to ¼″ thick, for example, about1/16″, ⅛″, or 3/16″ thickness. The inner or outer diameter of acylindrical elastomeric cover may be about 0.25-10 inches, about 0.5-5inches, about 0.5-3 inches, about 0.5-2 inches, or about 1 inch. In someaspects, the inner diameter is about 1 inch and the cross sectionalouter diameter is about 1.25 inch. Other shaped elastomeric covers mayhave similar inner or outer dimensions from one side to the other sideof the elastomeric cover, for example, between facing sides of a cuboidor prism. In its expanded state, the elastomeric cover may stretch inany direction (e.g. horizontally, vertically, diagonally, lengthwise,widthwise, circumferentially, etc.) in which it is expanded about 2-20times, such as about 4-16 or about 8-10 times, in comparison to theresting state dimensions, allowing a elastomeric cover having a fixedsize to accommodate various size containers. By any direction e.g.,horizontally, vertically, diagonally, lengthwise, widthwise, orcircumferentially, refers to stretching the entire elastomeric covere.g., from one end to another lengthwise, from side to side widthwise,from corner to corner diagonally, or outwardly from a diametercircumferentially, etc. When in various stretched states, for example,when fitted to a various existing containers, the elastomeric cover mayhave a dimension such as an inner diameter of a single cylindricalelastomeric cover at its widest stretched part of about 0.5-10 inches,for example 1-10, 1.5-10, 1-8, 1.5-8, 1.5-5, 2-5 or 2-3 inches. As anillustration, one elastomeric cover can be used to cover a containerhaving a 1″ round diameter or square length (or other shaped) crosssection and also can be used to cover a container having a 5″ rounddiameter or square length (or other shaped) cross section. Other shapedelastomeric connectors may have similar inner or outer dimensions fromone side to the opposite side of the elastomeric connector, for example,between facing sides of a cuboid or prism.

The guidance herein regarding the flexibility and other properties ofthe materials, sizes, dimensions etc. of the elastomeric connector maybe used to determine which dimensions may be optimal for a particulargroup of differently dimensioned and shaped containers to be covered.

The elastomeric cover may have similar sized dimensions on either end orone end may be narrower than the other end, such as wherein theelastomeric cover may have, at least partially, a dome, funnel orconical shape, although the elastomeric cover may be formed in anysuitable shape that will accommodate a container of various sizes suchas cylindrical, spherical, barrel shaped or prism shaped, rectangularprism, or variations thereof. The elastomeric cover can accommodate capsor ends that may potentially leak such as a squeeze bottle top, spraybottle top, a twist off cap, an aerosol can top, a snap closure lid,and/or nozzle.

The elastomeric cover may be manufactured in a variety of ways includingbut not limited to injection molding or extrusion. In some aspects, theelastomeric cover may be manufactured in a single contiguous piece.

In some aspects a container may be subject to at about 11-15 psi duringthe course of a commercial airplane flight. In some aspects, no fluid oralmost no fluid such as less than 1%, 0.1%, or 0.01% of the fluidescapes the open end 3 of the elastomeric cover when in use.

Without being bound by theory, it appears that the self-sealingelastomeric cover, when in use, has sufficient elastomeric propertiesfor its inner surface to directly contact and grip a larger percentageof the container's surface area to counter the force from e.g., thecabin air pressure during air travel or otherwise that may force a capto open and liquid to escape a container. In contrast, other, more rigidor differently shaped covers, which may be unable to grip such a largesurface area on a container or may detach or leak. In some aspects, thelength of the elastomeric cover having an internal surface that directlycontacts the container when in use is at least about 30% the length inits resting state along the sidewall from the open end 3 toward theclosed end 2 of the elastomeric cover, such as 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%,90% or 100%. In some aspects, the elastomeric cover allows directcontact and self-seals around a container when in use, without gapsbetween the container and the elastomeric cover along the sidewalls 1and closed end 2. In some aspects various sized caps may preventcomplete direct contact of the internal surface of the elastomeric coverand the container and may leave gaps near the closed end 2 that do notaffect the ability of the elastomeric cover to prevent leaks from theopen end 3.

The terms “container” is meant to include various containers such asbottles, tubes, or tubs that have a removable or semi-removablecomponent such as a cap, lid or cover to keep the contents inside, suchas a snap-on or screw-on piece, a flip cover, toggle opening, or acombination thereof. As toiletry containers are generally irregularlyshaped, the dimensions generally refer to the cross section of thelargest portion of the container excluding the cap, which may have asmaller cross section, e.g., diameter in comparison to the container.Further, the container often has rounded edges even if, for example, itis generally a cuboid shape. The container may dispense a fluidsubstance, including thick fluids, such as creams, gels, and pastes orsubstances that act like a fluid, or otherwise contains a substance thatis desired to be secured in the container. For example, the containermay contain toiletry items such as shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap,fluid medication, fluid makeup, and/or may include substances such assand, beads, or pills, or the container may be a food containingcontainer such as a milk carton, soda bottle or can, or other containersthat hold food and drinks. In some aspects the container may bepartially full with liquid, wherein gas inside the container will expandduring air travel and cause leaks from the container if the elastomericcover was not used to secure the end of the container susceptible toleaks. A cylindrical elastomeric cover having approximately a 1″ innerdiameter, 3″ length and approximately 0.125″ wall thickness may easilyaccommodate a container that is about 1″ in diameter to about 4″ or 5″in diameter and other similar sized containers having different shapesor combination of shapes.

The elastomeric cover may comprise an approximately perpendicular flangenear the opening of the elastomeric cover to assist in applying orremoving the elastomeric cover from the container when in use, which mayextend perpendicularly from the outer edge of the cover by about 0.1-0.5inches. The flange may be integral with the sidewalls 1 adjacent theopen end 3 of the elastomeric cover. In some aspects, the flange isannular and surrounds the entire open end 3 to assist removal and allowsfor two hands to grasp the flange to apply or remove the elastomericcover. The flange can comprise a decorative edge that does not interferewith the function of the flange.

Typically, the elastomeric cover illustrated herein in FIGS. 1-4 mayhave a cylindrical opening and/or is made to accommodate a cylindrical,elliptical cylinder, or cuboid container; however, other shapes are notprecluded and the elastomeric cover may be customized to complement aparticularly shaped or sized container. Generally, due to theelastomeric nature of the elastomeric cover, a cylindrical elastomericcover can accommodate most shaped containers such as those that have across section that is approximately round, square, rectangular,trapezoidal, hexagonal, and can fit over entire oddly shaped containershaving caps that are flush or protrude from the container such as atoothpaste tube, shampoo or conditioner bottle, makeup bottle, hairspraybottle, shaving cream container. Each container may have, for example, aflat lid, a curved lid or an asymmetric lid. Each container may have aspray end or a pump that may have a cap covering it. Nonetheless, othershaped elastomeric covers are contemplated, such as cuboid, cube,cone/funnel, prism, or pyramid shaped elastomeric cover having openingon one end, or for instance any shape having a round, square,triangular, rectangular, hexagonal or multi-sided cross section.Elastomeric cover shapes need not be symmetrical and can include anasymmetrical hourglass, wavy, or custom shape, which could be similarlybeneficial in particular applications. In some aspects the sidewalls 1of the elastomeric cover are straight as in a cylindrical cover, and/orthe end is approximately perpendicular to the straight side. In someaspects the elastomeric cover is not spherical in shape. In some aspectsthe elastomeric cover does not comprise a hinge on a closed end 2opposite the opening

The terms “approximately” “about” and “substantially” as used hereinrepresent an amount or measurement close to the stated amount ormeasurement that still performs the desired function or achieves thedesired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about” and“substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of,within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1%of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.

All patents and publications referenced herein are incorporated hereinby reference.

EXAMPLES Example 1

TPE super elastic plastic cylindrical elastomeric cover as shown in FIG.1, for example, was made from a propriety blend comprising primarilyabout 75% by weight Kraton™ G1651 H Polymer, a clear, linear copolymerbased on styrene and ethylene/butylene with a polystyrene content of 33%and about 25% by weight Kang Libo 15# white oil cosmetic product, andsecondarily from a weigh perspective, proprietary additives and dyes.The TPE super elastic plastic cylindrical elastomeric cover was about 3″long and had about a 1″ inner diameter and about a 1.25″ outer crosssectional diameter in its resting state. The closed end 2 of theelastomeric cover having a lip has a diameter of about 1.5″. The wallthickness of the sidewalls 1 and the closed end 2 were about 0.125″. Theopen end 3 has a flange that can be used to grip the elastomeric cover,and also includes a decorative scalloped shape. The elastomeric coverwas fitted over various sized containers as shown in FIG. 1-3.Generally, this size elastomeric cover can be used to cover mosttoiletry sized containers as well as large bulk size shampoos,conditioners, shaving creams and oddly shaped perfume bottles.

The elastomeric cover is fitted over containers of various shapes andsizes, for example approximately 1″ round cylindrical container, 3″round cylindrical container, 4″ round cylindrical container, 2″ squarecuboid container, 2″×3″ rectangular cuboid container, 2″ by 1.5″rectangular cuboid container, an elliptical cylindrical container havinga cross section that is about 3′ by 4″, and a full size toothpaste tube.Most containers, the sizes of which were approximated above, had a capthat was not flush with the rest of the container. Each container ispartially full such that air inside the container may expand and causethe contents to leak from the container. None of the containers coveredwith the elastomeric cover leaks outside the elastomeric cover duringtravel on a commercial aircraft.

The open end 3 of the elastomeric cover was stretched about and affixedto approximately 1″ round cylindrical container, elliptical cylindricalcontainer having a cross section that is about 3′ by 4″, a 2″ by 1.5″rectangular cuboid container, and a full size toothpaste tube, roughlyaligning the closed end 2 of the elastomeric cover with the end of thecontainer having a cap that may potentially leak. The containers weremade of a flexible plastic. To simulate an increase in pressure that thecontainer might experience in luggage stowed during an airplane flight,the containers are each squeezed by hand individually using maximal handforce. The elastomeric cover is then removed, and the leakage isassessed. It is found that none of the contents leaked from the open end3 of the elastomeric cover in any container tested.

Example 2

The TPE super elastic plastic cylindrical elastomeric cover of Example 1was fitted over the following containers:

a) A partially filled 50 g cylindrical container of cream about 1 and ¾″in height having a round cross section with a round screw top havingabout a 2″ diameter and a cap having a height of ⅜″.

b) A partially full 2 oz bottle of saline solution having mostly a roundcross section, which is 3½″ height, 1 and ⅝″ diameter, and ⅞″ cap whichsnaps open to a squeeze bottle.

c) A full 3.3 ounce mostly cylindrical bottle of vanilla having 3 and ⅛″height, 1⅞″ diameter on the bottom, having sides that form a slopedportion near the cap, which is ⅜″ high by 1″ diameter.

d) An approximately ⅞ full 23.7 oz mostly cylindrical bottle of amicellar water solution with a mostly oval cross section having an 8″height including a cylindrical cap and at the largest cross-sectionmeasuring 3½″ by 2″½″, and having an approximately 1″ high by 1″diametercylindrical cap wherein the lid on cap snaps opens to a squeeze bottle.

e) An approximately ⅓ full 13.52 oz thickened liquid facial cleansermostly cylindrical pump bottle having an 8″ height including theprotruding pump arm and a round cross section with a 2¼″ diameter, witha pump height of 1¾″. The elastomeric cover was not stretched tightlyover the protruding pump arm so that the pump arm would not pierce theelastomeric cover.

f) An approximately ¼ full 8 oz nail polish remover bottle having anapproximately 6⅜″ height, which has an essentially square cross sectionwith rounded corners having approximately a 1¾″ width, and a cylindricalcap that is 1″ high and has a ⅞″ diameter.

g) An approximately half full mostly cylindrical eye dropper bottleincluding dropper filled with a liquid serum having approximately 4″height, has a round cross section with a 1¼″ diameter and a dropperapproximately 1¼″ high, and a cap of approximately ⅞″ diameter.

h) A mostly cylindrical 13 oz plastic bottle approximately ¾ full ofcream leave in conditioner having a cap left open to simulate leakingconditions, with an approximately 6⅜″ height including the cap andhaving a round cross section that has a 2½″ diameter, and a cap that is1″ high and 1″ in diameter, which can be pushed on one side to open intoa squeeze bottle type opening.

i) A nearly full 3.4 oz glass bottle of perfume having 4⅜″ heightincluding cap and having an approximately rectangular cross section thatis approximately 2½″ wide by 1″ deep, wherein the height of the cap isabout 1⅛″ in height and the rectangle cross section cap is approximately1⅝″ by 1⅛″.

j) An approximately % full 20 oz plastic bottle of hair gel about 9″ inheight has oval cross sections of varying sizes, the largest of which isabout 3½″ by 1¼″ and having a cap that is 1⅛″ high and wherein the ovalcap is about 2⅛″ by 1¼″ and has a lid that opens to a squeeze bottle.

k) An approximately half full 2½ ounce tube of lotion has a 5″ lengthwherein the crimped end has a length of about 2⅜″ and the cylindricalcap has a round cross section and is approximately 1″ high and 1⅜″diameter.

l) A full 6½ oz. tube of toothpaste has a length of 7½″, wherein thecrimped end has a length of 2⅜″, and the cylindrical cap is ¾″ high and1¼″ diameter.

m) A 2.6 oz mostly cylindrical plastic pressure bottle of saline with astreaming spray having a height of 5½″ and has a round cross section ofapproximately 1⅝″ and wherein the cylindrical cap is 1⅝″ tall andapproximately 1¼″ diameter.

n) A full 5 oz plastic bottle of sunscreen that has an approximatelyrectangular cross section on the lower portion which is about 2½″ by 1″and rounded sloped shoulders with varying sized rectangular crosssections on the upper portion and having a cap that is 1″ high and 1″diameter, which opens to a squeeze bottle.

o) A cylindrical plastic tub of coconut oil that is approximately halffull and has a round cross section with a diameter of about 3½″ and aheight of 2⅝″ that includes the cap, which is approximately ½″ high.

p) An approximately half full 3.4 oz plastic pump spray bottle of leavein conditioner having a trapezoidal cross section with a longer 1¾″longer side and a 1½″ shorter side and about 1½″ width, having a pumptop of about 1⅝″ height and 1″ pump spray top with a round cross sectionand an upper pump with a round cross section portion having anapproximately ½″ diameter. No cap covered the pump spray.

q) An approximately 1/10 full 3 oz glass bottle of perfume with a brokenspray top approximately having a 1⅝″ square cross section and having anapproximately 4″ height and a cap portion having a round cross sectionthat is ⅝″ high and ½″ diameter.

r) An approximately half full 6.8 oz. tube of hair gel has a length of7″, wherein the crimped end is 3″, and the cap is 1″ high and has a 1¾″diameter.

s) An approximately ¼″ full 2.6 ounce mostly cylindrical pressurizedspray metal bottle having an approximately 6¼″ height with a round crosssection of 1⅜″ diameter and a spray cap having 1″ height and anapproximately 1½″ diameter.

The elastomeric cover of Example 1 was affixed to each container aboveby stretching the elastomeric cover over the top of the container andpulling down and stretching over the container, except for the containerwith a protruding pump that had some slack at the closed end of theelastomeric cover so the protruding pump would not pierce theelastomeric cover. All of the above toiletries were put in checkedbaggage on a commercial flight of over 1000 miles. The containers wereobserved and noted for any leakage while unpacking. Most of thecontainers did not leak within the elastomeric cover. None of thecontents of any container leaked out from the open end of theelastomeric cover.

The approximately ⅓ full 13.52 oz thickened liquid facial cleanser pumpbottle having an 8″ height including the protruding pump arm leaked intothe closed end of the elastomeric cover but did not leak outside theopen end of the elastomeric cover.

The pump spray bottle of leave in conditioner having a trapezoidal crosssection leaked from the bottle into the closed end of the elastomericcover but did not leak outside the open end of the elastomeric cover.

The 13 oz plastic bottle approximately ¾ full of cream leave inconditioner having a cap left open leaked contents into the closed endof the elastomeric cover but did not leak outside from the open end ofthe elastomeric cover.

All elastomeric covers were rinsed and reused.

Example 3

The elastomeric cover (sold under the name Leaklocks®) was first offeredfor sale on Amazon.com on Sep. 27, 2020. In less than one year, theelastomeric cover was awarded “Amazon Best Sellers” in the CosmeticTravel Cases category, filling a previous long-felt yet unmet need tosatisfactorily prevent contents of toiletries from leaking over thecontents of suitcases during travel. Over 5000 elastomeric covers weresold on line within the first year while maintaining a 4.5 out of 5 starrating on Amazon. Sales have been trending steeply upward since launch.This commercial success was achieved even though the travel industry wasdepressed severely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some Amazon purchasers have reviewed the product and left the followingcomments as follows:

“I've used them twice for travel and didn't have to clean up thecontents from an exploded shampoo bottle. They fit small containers andlarger containers.”

“These work great for most all sizes of bottles. I will definitely beordering more. No more slime mess in my toiletries bag!”

“Very snug and holds liquid [sic] in great. Would buy again! !”

“This really keeps everything from leaking in my luggage. They are easyto put on and take off and I've tried them on all shapes and sizes ofbottles. Will be buying more soon.”

“Amazing idea and great quality! A travel must . . . ”

“These were great when I traveled last. They kept all the lids fromopening, so no leaks. Plus they saved me from having to waste plasticbags to protect my stuff.”

“Do a lot of traveling. These are the best thing ever! !! !”

“I've put them on the products I am most likely to take on a trip withme and they fit with out [sic] any problem. I think this is such a greatidea! I am surprised that it has taken so long for someone to come upwith such a great solution to common problem!”

“Very clever and useful product.”

“Always had a problem when I would check in a bag and the air pressureduring flight would burst one of my bottles. I'd see shampoo or anythingelse splattered all within my toiletries bag. I got into the habit ofwrapping it with plastic or little bags but that became a process andstarted to get expensive having to buy more each time. This is ideal asit's washable and reusable.”

1. An elastomeric cover comprising contiguous sidewalls adjacent to andintegral with a closed end and forming an open end opposite the closedend, wherein the elastomeric cover has properties and dimensions whereinwhen in use a single elastomeric cover self seals about peripheries ofcontainers having approximately round, square, rectangular, oval andtrapezoidal cross sections.
 2. The elastomeric cover of claim 1 whereina length of the elastomeric cover from the closed end to the open end islonger than the width of the closed end or the open end.
 3. Theelastomeric cover of claim 1 wherein the sidewalls are cylindrical. 4.The elastomeric cover of claim 1 wherein the sidewalls are substantiallyperpendicular to the closed end when in a resting state.
 5. Theelastomeric cover of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric cover comprises athermoplastic elastomer having a durometer hardness Shore Type A orShore Type OO value of about 1-50.
 6. The elastomeric cover of claim 5wherein the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer havinga durometer hardness Shore Type A value of about 1-40.
 7. Theelastomeric cover of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric cover comprises athermoplastic elastomer that has a tear strength of about 1-35 kN/m. 8.The elastomeric cover of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric cover has alength of about 1-5 inches.
 9. The elastomeric cover of claim 1 whereina single elastomeric cover has properties and dimensions capable of selfsealing about peripheries of containers comprising a 1″ diametercylindrical container, 3″ diameter cylindrical container and a 2″ by1.5″ rectangular cuboid container when in use.
 10. The elastomeric coverof claim 1 wherein the properties and the dimensions provide a surfacearea about peripheries of the containers to counter a force of apressurized contents when in use.
 11. The elastomeric cover of claim 1wherein the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplastic elastomer;wherein the elastomeric cover has an open end for receiving a container;wherein the elastomeric cover has a wall thickness of about 1/32″ to ½″;wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has a durometer hardness Shore TypeA value of about 1-100; wherein the elastomeric cover has properties anddimensions wherein, when affixed to a container, less than 1% of thecontents of the container escapes the open end of the elastomeric coverwhen pressure is applied.
 12. The elastomeric cover of claim 11 whereinthe elastomeric cover has properties and dimensions capable of selfsealing about peripheries of various sized containers comprising both acylindrical container and cuboid container when in use; wherein theproperties and the dimensions provide a surface area about peripheriesof the various sized containers to counter a force of pressure when inuse; wherein one of the properties comprises retaining the resting statedimensions after use without deforming.
 13. The elastomeric cover ofclaim 11 wherein the elastomeric cover comprises a thermoplasticelastomer; wherein the elastomeric cover has a wall thickness of about1/32″ to ½″ and a length of about 2-10 inches; wherein the thermoplasticelastomer has a) a tensile stress at least in one direction at 100%strain or 300% at 23° C. of less than about 15 MPa; b) has a tensilestrength at least in one direction at break of about 0.1-15 MPa; c) atear strength of about 1-35 kN/m; d) a tensile elongation at least inone direction at break of 50% or greater; or e) a durometer hardnessShore Type A value of about 1-100.
 14. The elastomeric cover of claim 1wherein the elastomeric cover has an external length and width; whereinthe length is greater than the width.
 15. A method of using theelastomeric cover of claim 11 comprising affixing the elastomeric coverto a container.
 16. The method of using the elastomeric cover of claim15 further comprising applying pressure to the container, wherein lessthan 1% of the contents of the container escapes the open end of theelastomeric cover and remains in the closed end of the elastomericcover.
 17. The method of using the elastomeric cover of claim 15 whereinthe container is pressurized to about 11-15 psi.
 18. The method of usingthe elastomeric cover of claim 15 stretching the open end of theelastomeric cover about a container; aligning the closed end of theelastomeric cover with an end of a container that has a potential toleak; and applying pressure to the container; wherein less than 1% ofthe contents escapes the open end of the elastomeric cover during theapplying pressure step.
 19. A method of using the elastomeric cover ofclaim 1 comprising affixing the elastomeric cover to a container havinga smaller circumference than the inner circumference of the elastomericcover; rolling the elastomeric cover onto itself to decrease the innercircumference of the elastomeric cover to form a leak-proof seal aboutthe periphery of the container.
 20. A method of using the elastomericcover of claim 1 comprising stretching a first elastomeric cover aboutwet or soiled contents; stretching a second elastomeric cover over theopen end of the first elastomeric cover.